What is Title IX?
Title IX of the Education Amendments is a federal civil rights law that condemns discriminatory acts on the basis of gender committed by or against students, faculty, and staff in federally funded educational institutions. It provides the following:
“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”
Title IX is a versatile law that has been broadly applied to a number of controversial issues in relation to gender equity on college and university campuses. Its enforcement has single-handedly literally leveled the playing field for women in pursuit of more intercollegiate sports options and has justified the guidelines for women receiving athletic scholarships at a proportional rate to men. This law has also been the basis for the creation of regulations pertaining to pregnant college students and new moms on campus who were previously mistreated and mismanaged in classrooms.
Many people who are knowledgeable of Title IX's widespread applicability have said that it has majorly contributed to making higher education institutions the relatively equitable places that they are today. However, some people say that we still have a while to go. People have posed questions regarding Title IX's applicability in a hotly debated topic in recent times: sexual misconduct on college campuses.
Title IX and Sexual Misconduct
The rates of reported sexual misconduct on college campuses are record-breakingly high. In previous years, schools would completely disregard these accusations in an effort to maintain the facade of a crime-free atmosphere. But in 2001, the Department of Education grew tired of complaints from students stating that their school was neglectful of this issue. In response, it issued a letter warning federally funded institutions that this behavior could lead to the loss of financial funding. Simultaneously, students punished schools for such behavior by pursuing legal action when they felt like their reports were being disregarded. With these threats looming over their heads, school authorities went from one extreme to the next, by approaching these cases aggressively and hastily, all in an effort to appease the DOE and accusers. In the midst of this process, accused students are slighted and disadvantaged.
Choosing an Attorney as Your Title IX Advisor
Now that you know what you're up against, you, as an accused student, have to start making smart choices. Choosing the right advisor could make all the difference when it comes to receiving a favorable outcome. Selecting a lawyer to accompany you through your school's processes will only maximize your chances of getting out of this ordeal unscathed. Although they aren't allowed to speak in a hearing, a legal professional can provide advice that can help you adequately represent yourself in a hearing.
Experienced Nevada Title IX Advisor
If you attend a Nevada college or university and are facing accusations of sexual assault, you should immediately consult with a skilled professional dedicated to making certain your interests come first. Skilled Title IX advisor Joseph D. Lento is here to help you every step of the way. Contact him today.
Nevada colleges and universities where Joseph D. Lento can help as your or your student's Title IX advisor during investigations, hearings, and appeals include, but are not limited to, the following schools:
- College of Southern Nevada
- DeVry University Nevada
- Everest College Henderson
- Great Basin College
- International Academy of Design and Technology Henderson
- ITT Technical Institute Henderson
- ITT Technical Institute Las Vegas
- Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Las Vegas
- Morrison University
- Nevada State College
- Sierra Nevada College
- The Art Institute of Las Vegas
- Truckee Meadows Community College
- University of Nevada Las Vegas
- University of Nevada Reno
- University of Phoenix Las Vegas Campus
- University of Phoenix Northern Nevada Campus
- Western Nevada College
Title IX violations and Title IX charges can change an accused student's life if not defended against properly and as early as possible during the disciplinary process, and Joseph D. Lento has nearly a decade of experience passionately fighting for the future of his clients at universities and colleges throughout the nation. He does not settle for the easiest outcome, and instead, prioritizes his clients' needs and well-being. Joseph Lento is a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is admitted as an attorney pro hac vice in state and federal court if needed when representing clients nationwide, and serves as a Title IX advisor and educational consultant to students facing disciplinary cases in Nevada and throughout the nation. Make certain your or your student's interests are protected - Contact National Title IX attorney Joseph D. Lento today.
